Design & Access Statements Bob Scrivens, Group Leader Development Control.

They are mandatory

Changes of use where no operational development is proposed Engineering and mining operations House extensions and similar work, outside Conservation Areas The only exceptions are

If a poor Statement is submitted the Council can demand more information If that is not supplied, we can refuse for lack of information If an application is approved we can require the details in the Statement to govern the development Take them seriously

“… few of us are ready for Design and Access Statements. … they are an audit of a comprehensive and logical … process that seldom exists in reality. Added to this are very many grey areas … This will lead to uncertainty for many months to come as the circulars mix of aspirations and requirements are turned into a deliverable and meaningful product.” Barton Willmore

A tool to explain the design thinking Should include a written description and justification Photos, maps and drawings can help Should avoid jargon so anyone can get the point Concise, and can be short – suit them to the proposal What are they ?

Four key elements: Assessment Involvement Evaluation Design The process - Design

Within those key elements – subheadings Use Amount Layout Scale Landscaping Appearance Design

OUT IN SitingUse DesignAmount External AppearanceIndicative Layout Means of accessScale LandscapingLandscaping Indicative Access Outline applications Reserved Matters

Two key elements Vehicular and transport links Inclusive access (can benefit from involving community and access groups) The process - Access

Within those key elements – subheadings Why that access point How does site respond to roads and public transport How can people move through the scheme on equal terms age disability ethnicity social group Access

Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) - “Design and Access Statements – how to write, read and use them” Department of Communities and Local Govt. (DCLG) - (follow Planning - Planning Policy - Planning Circulars – to Circular 01.06) Find out more